Piano Forum



New Book: Women and the Piano by Susan Tomes
Susan Tomes' latest book is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of women pianists’ history, praised for its engaging storytelling, thorough research, and insightful analysis. The book combines historical narrative with Tomes' personal insights as a performing female pianist. Read more >>

Topic: fingering for one hand octaves  (Read 2734 times)

Offline matt_black

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 61
fingering for one hand octaves
on: December 18, 2003, 06:07:00 PM
Name: Matt Black  
E-Mail:  
Subject: One Hand Octave Technique  
Body of Message:  
Hi
Advice on one hand octave fingering needed.
e.g. WHat is the best fingering to use when playing a harmony in octaves with the right hand -  
a good eample is The Entertainer during the CDECDE CDC ECDE CDCECDEBDC
I started using finger 1-5 but then found easier to use finger 5 in conjunction with the fingers 1,2,3 for cde

This seems easier but a bit if a stretch - can feel it in upper arm.

Is this correct fingering technique for such a piece

ANy adive or good websites, books for technique for this would be greatyl appredcaited.

plus does anyone know what grade /standard the entertainer is - the origianl score with the octaves etc not the film score

Cheers

Offline BoliverAllmon

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 4155
Re: fingering for one hand octaves
Reply #1 on: December 18, 2003, 11:27:14 PM
I know that my teacher tends to play both 4and5 fingers on the upper note. It puts more weight into that note and brings it out more.

boliver

Offline steinwaymodeld

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: fingering for one hand octaves
Reply #2 on: December 19, 2003, 12:39:38 AM
Quote
I know that my teacher tends to play both 4and5 fingers on the upper note. It puts more weight into that note and brings it out more.

boliver



as i played the Hungarian Rhapsody No.6, that should be the fingering of legato octaves. Sometimes i would throw in a 13 in order to play faster

but in this case, the octave should be played in staccato, so i think you would better stick to 15, have your wrist relax and close to the keyboard. find the key before you make your strike.
Perfection itself is imperfection - Vladimir Horowitz

Offline BoliverAllmon

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 4155
Re: fingering for one hand octaves
Reply #3 on: December 19, 2003, 02:29:50 AM
I think I need to clarify. She plays 4 and 5 at the same time.

boliver

Offline robert_henry

  • PS Silver Member
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 167
Re: fingering for one hand octaves
Reply #4 on: December 19, 2003, 04:47:09 AM
Name:  Robert Henry

Mission:  Finish the basement (according to my wife)

Problem:  That is not good fingering.

Description of problem:  using 2 or 3 on octaves creates tension, as you stated, but it also put your hand, wrist and arm out of proper alignment.  Your elbow (arm) should be BEHIND the wrist and fingers as much as possible.  Also, using 2 or 3 doesn't give you consistent power.  

Solution:  Pick better fingering.

Description of solution:  The accepted fingering for octaves is always 1 and 5, with the occassional use of 1 and 4 on black keys.  You could use 1 and 4 on some of the octaves, but I would not recommend using any finger other than your thumb at all times.

Final transmission:  Robert Henry, Over and Out

Offline matt_black

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 61
Re: fingering for one hand octaves
Reply #5 on: December 19, 2003, 12:28:06 PM
thanks for the advice - i can ue 1-5 fingering as well but i di find that using 1-3 1-4 1-5 for CDE helps me ensure i always hit the right notes when playing it fast - maybe if i practice with 1-5- enugh that will always hot the right notes.

does anyone know what standard/grade the entertainer original score is? i have never done grades but this is a level i can cope with

cheers

Offline matt_black

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 61
Re: fingering for one hand octaves
Reply #6 on: December 19, 2003, 12:56:59 PM
post nine on hammer technique below this one actauly describes what i was thinking.
1-5 all th time is ok
1-5 on white and 1-4- on black is good
1-5 1-4- 1-3 is ok - i have previoulsy used 1-5 only but for the part of the enterrtainer that i was refering 1-3 1-4- 1-5 actualy ensures accuracy at speed - it is more of a strain because my hands are small but actualy i find it is easier each day and i ahve been trying it since the weekend now.

In the same wya that you touch your toes in the gym or do the plits i think i am flexing my span for 1-3 so for now i will stick wih that - i did not realise it was known as hammering - is that the right term????
For more information about this topic, click search below!
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert